Queues have formed outside the concert hall every day since the competition began, with fans arriving before dawn for a chance to hear live performances by some of the world’s most promising young pianists, Polish state news agency PAP reported.
By 10 a.m. on Tuesday, as the morning session got underway, dozens were still waiting at the box office.
Some said they had arrived as early as 7 a.m., while others took turns holding spots in line.
Among them were many Japanese enthusiasts prepared to wait all day if needed, the PAP news agency reported.
Organizers said demand has increased with each round.
"At first, people started queuing around 7 a.m., but now they’re showing up as early as 5 a.m.," one staff member said.
The third stage runs through Thursday evening, when the 10 finalists will be announced.
The winner will be named on October 20.
Held every five years, the Chopin Competition is organized by Poland's Fryderyk Chopin Institute and runs until October 23 at the Warsaw Philharmonic.
(gs)
Source: PAP